The Port of Oakland informed that it had its busiest November ever for imports in 2018, shattering an 11-year-old record. The Port handled the equivalent of 83,364 loaded 20-foot import containers last month.
This amount beat the old November record of 76,902 containers set in 2007. In fact, November imports increased 15% over the same period in 2017.
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The Port attributed the increase in cargo volume to continued strong US consumer spending. It also added that importers are importing cargo into the US in case new tariffs are imposed next year, as a result of the current trade war with China.
In addition, total volume, including imports, exports and empty containers, rose 5% in the first 11 months of 2018, the Port stated. If the trend continues, Oakland would set a new cargo volume record for the third straight year.
Commenting on the record, Port of Oakland Maritime Director, John Driscoll, mentioned:
We’re encouraged by our latest cargo statistics. At the same time, we remain cautious as we approach the new year with uncertainty
